John Dickson, sn5262, 1900, 12GA, 6lbs, 6oz., CYL/LM
John Dickson’s brilliant round action, assisted-opening gun is one of the most sought-after designs in vintage shotguns. The diminutive action houses the firing, ejector, and triple locking mechanisms, creating fine crisp trigger pulls, and positive and reliable ejection of spent shells. The round action gives this 12-bore the feel of a little 20 bore, and at 6lbs. 6oz. balanced dead on the hinge pin, the handling dynamics makes it shoulder like a small bore as well. This is NOT a limited use, 2” chambered, fly weight 12 bore, but rather a robust 2 ½” chambered gun nitro proofed for 1 1/8 oz. loads that can be used for your upland shooting and clays games. This Dickson was built in 1900 for Mansfeldt de Cardonnel Findlay of Borturich Castle, a twice knighted Attache of the Diplomatic Services with an interesting history, some of which is shown in the photos and supplied with the purchase of the gun. The factory records show this gun is unchanged since it was built, ie barrel length, stock dimensions, weight, configuration, etc are all as noted on the included factory records. The specifications are shown below. This is a most desirable Dickson Round Action set up for the modern shooter with 15” LOP, excellent stock dimensions, 28” fluid steel barrels (choked SK/LM) that are still solidly in proof as marked on the barrel flats. The barrels are tight as new on the hinge pin and standing breech, the ejectors are strong and well-timed, trigger pulls delightfully tuned, all screws in excellent condition and tight/clocked, the wood has no cracks or repairs and shows remarkable figure for a turn of the century Scottish Best. Housed in a vintage British oak and leather case that has been custom fit to this gun, marked with the maker’s label, and supplied with proper English accessories, this gun presents itself as a true treasure. If you examine the photos closely, you will note the superbly cut small scroll with shaded background that makes the Dickson Round Action so sought after. The wood-to-metal fit is excellent as is the checkering. This is a VFI CERTIFIED GUN, meaning we stripped the action and forend iron to the smallest part, cleaned all in the Ultrasonic cleaner, scrubbed each part and inspected all for function and integrity, properly lubricated and reassembled. VFI CERTIFIED guns have a 90-day mechanical warranty (a $475 service in our shop). In a world with few qualified “doublegunsmiths” available for repairs or service, this is a very important value provided by the skilled gunsmiths at VFI. A superb, classic shotgun for the upcoming upland season and just in time for summer practice at the clays fields, don’t let this one slip by you. You won’t find a fully serviced, fluid steel Dickson owned by a Knight Commander of the British Empire G.B.E, K.C.M.G, C.B. at this price, and the value only goes up on these highly desirable shotguns. Thanks for looking!
Barrels: 28"
Chokes: .000/.013 CYL/LM
Bores: mirror
Bore Diameter: .731/.733
Wall Thickness: .030/.024
% Blue: 98%
Chambers: 2 1/2" as proofed 1 1/8 oz.
Ribs: tight
Sights: Front silver
Action: tight, slight Right of Center
Ejectors: timed
Receiver: silver/grey
Screws: excellent
Engraving: sharp scroll
Trigger: double-crisp
Trigger Guard: 98% blue
Stock: English/Splinter
LOP: 15"
LOP To End Of Wood: 14 1/16"
DAH: 2 5/16"
DAC: 1 5/8"
Cast: 1/4" off
Checkering: excellent
Butt: VFI leather covered pad
INQUIRIES
There is a 30 day mechanical warranty on long guns. If it is a “VFI Certified” gun there is a 90 day mechanical warranty. Call or email us for more details or questions. Thanks! Vintage Firearms Inc.
